Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a traditional open back surgery used to relieve the symptoms associated with a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine (lower back). Often, this procedure is used to help patients who have moderate to severe degenerative spine conditions, such as a herniated disc, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis.

While there are several possible benefits of this procedure, such as relieving back pain and a return to full mobility, there are also several risks that should be considered before you move forward with the procedure. This procedure is a traditional open back fusion, which means that the 6- to 8-inch incision used to reach the spine is very invasive, requiring the muscles surrounding the spine to be detached and then later reattached.

As a result, this leaves patients at an increased risk for infection, large amounts of blood loss, postsurgical complications and an unnecessarily long recovery time while the spine and muscles heal. Take a moment to learn what you can expect during a posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery by reading the information provided in the following article.

For patients considering a posterior lumbar interbody fusion, take a moment to review a list of the steps involved in a PLIF surgery:

A large incision is made along the lower back, usually parallel with the lumbar spine

The laminae (two small bones that create the arch of the vertebra) and a portion of the facet joint are removed from the vertebra to allow access to the damaged disc

The damaged portion of the disc is removed (called a discectomy), but a section of the outer disc wall is left intact to support the bone graft fusion

Bone grafts are inserted into the empty disc space and metal screws are attached to the surrounding vertebrae

Rods are inserted through the screws to hold the vertebrae in place

The bone graft grows over time, forming a bridge or fusion between the vertebrae

Complete recovery from posterior lumbar interbody fusion or any other type of spinal fusion can take between six months to a year due to the highly invasive nature of the procedure.

Alternatives to a posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Fortunately, there is another option for lumbar fusion surgery that is a safer and effective alternative and offers a shorter recovery time^ compared to traditional lumbar fusion. The minimally invasive lumbar stabilization procedures at Laser Spine Institute offer a surgical alternative that has less surgical blood loss and a reduced risk of infection compared to a posterior lumbar interbody fusion.^ For more information about the advantages of our minimally invasive lumbar stabilization procedures, please contact Laser Spine Institute today.

The type of lumbar fusion performed will depend on the location and severity of your condition. All of our minimally invasive lumbar stabilization procedures are performed through a small incision that does not unnecessarily disrupt the muscles or ligaments surrounding the spine. Once the spine is accessed through the small incision, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc and, if necessary, bone grafts. The artificial disc allows the spine a more natural recovery than a metal fusion because a metal fusion results in limited mobility in that area of the spine.

Reach out to Laser Spine Institute and ask for a free MRI review* to find out if you are a potential candidate for our minimally invasive alternatives to posterior lumbar interbody fusion. We can help you recapture your quality of life from chronic pain and discomfort.

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*Our MRI review is an informational review of the MRI report that you provide to us and is not a form of diagnosis. A diagnosis and a final determination of whether you may benefit from treatment at Laser Spine Institute can only be made after you have been physically examined by our medical professionals at Laser Spine Institute. The MRI review has no value and will not be billed.